Sports
Kites Triumph Over Eagles in Thrilling World Tennis League Opener
World Tennis League Season 3: Paolini, Ruud, and Halep guide
Kites to a convincing 25-20 win over HonorFX Eagles in Match 2
~ The opening day concluded in spectacular fashion as Kites and Falcons register wins ~
Abu Dhabi, December 19, 2024: The opening day of the World Tennis
League Season 3 concluded in spectacular fashion as the Kites secured
a convincing 25-20 victory over the HonorFX Eagles in the second
match held at the iconic Etihad Arena on Thursday.
In the mixed doubles, Alexander Shevchenko and Paula Badosa
secured an early break in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead for the
HonorFX Eagles. However, Jasmine Paolini and Casper Ruud, after
taking some time to find their rhythm, turned things around to win the set
6-4, putting the Kites ahead in the match.
In the men’s singles, Ruud maintained his impressive form as he cruised
to a comfortable 6-4 victory and further extended the Kites’ lead to 12-8.
Iga Swiatek and Paula Badosa came out strong for the HonorFX Eagles
in a star-studded women’s doubles clash. They raced to an early 3-0
lead, narrowing the overall gap to 12-11. However, Simona Halep and
Jasmine Paolini of the Kites showcased incredible resilience, mounting
an impressive comeback as they took the set from trailing 2-5 to level
the score at 5-5. The duo built on their resurgence to clinch the set 7-5,
giving the Kites a commanding 19-13 lead in the overall match.
The final set, the women’s singles between Swiatek and Paolini, began
evenly. Paolini broke Swiatek’s serve in the sixth game to secure a 4-2
lead and held her serve to make it 5-2. Swiatek, however, responded
emphatically, winning five consecutive games to take the set and cut the
overall deficit to 20-24, pushing the match into Over Time.
In OT, Paolini held her nerve to win the decisive game, and helped Kites
start their campaign with a 25-20.
Speaking after the game, Ruud reflected, “We started well, Jasmine and
I played a good mixed doubles set, we won that 6-4, and then I played a good single set. I’m happy with my level, with my performance, and
looking forward to coming out there again tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Halep added, “Our team is super relaxed and we have good
light moments during sets. It’s a good atmosphere, but it’s a good start
for me personally.”
Earlier in the day, the Game Changers Falcons pulled off a dramatic 29-
26 comeback victory over the TSL Hawks in the season’s opening
match, thanks to Andrey Rublev’s heroics in the final set. Trailing 17-21
heading into the last set, Rublev’s win forced the match into Over Time.
He then won two consecutive games to level the overall score at 26-26,
setting the stage for the season’s first Super Shootout. Riding on his
momentum, Rublev outplayed Thompson 10-6 in the Super Shootout,
securing the bonus points for his team.
The grand opening day is set to culminate into the much-awaited concert
by legendary music icons Bryan Adams and Anastacia.
For the upcoming matches and concerts, tennis and music lovers can
book their tickets from https://www.etihadarena.ae/en/world-tennis-
league or https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/93107/world-
tennis-league-presents-the-greatest-show-on-court-at-etihad-arena-abu-
Emirates Dubai 7s is returning to The Sevens Stadium from November 27 to 29, with tickets now on sale for the three-day sports and entertainment festival.
The 2026 edition will bring together international rugby, amateur sports, live music and family entertainment, with organisers promising a bigger programme than previous years.
The festival attracted more than 88,000 visitors in 2025 and will again take place during the final weekend of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Ticket prices
Ticket prices for General Admission and Hospitality have stayed the same for a third consecutive year.
Three-day General Admission tickets cost Dh595 per person, while the three-day Family Pass is Dh1,136 for two adults and two children.
Other ticket options
- Group pass: Dh446 per person for four or more adults
- Saturday or Sunday: Dh455
- Friday: Dh75
- Under 15s: Free
- People of Determination + carer: Dh375
Tickets can be purchased through the Emirates Dubai 7s website and app.
Bigger family attractions
Family entertainment will get a major boost this year as the UAE celebrates the Year of the Family.
The festival will feature its biggest-ever Kids’ Zone, including the UAE’s largest inflatable kids’ zone, along with a Ferris wheel and zipline. More attractions are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
Six sports and top rugby action
Alongside elite rugby, visitors can watch or take part in competitions across six sports — rugby, netball, cricket, WODON3 fitness, Rebound padel and Gaelic Football.
Gaelic Football will join the festival for the first time in 2026.
The Sevens Stadium will also host the opening round of the HSBC SVNS Series 2027, bringing the world’s leading rugby sevens players to Dubai.
The WODON3 Elite final will take place on Pitch 1 between HSBC SVNS matches, with competitors potentially performing in front of crowds of up to 20,000.
Music all weekend
Live entertainment will run throughout the festival, with local and international artists performing across three days.
Last year’s line-up included Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul and Fisher, while the 2026 headline acts will be announced later.
For a premium experience, The Sunroom returns with all-inclusive food and drinks, shaded seating, prime sporting views and dedicated access. Packages start from Dh1,925 per person.
With sport, music and family attractions packed into one weekend, Emirates Dubai 7s is gearing up for another big Dubai event.
UAE drivers warned: Failing to stop for school bus carries a Dh1,000 fine and 10 points
Emirates Dubai 7s 2026: Tickets on sale as festival returns with bigger family zone
